Friday, August 29, 2014

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

What would happen if you found yourself in a strange and
dangerous place with no memory of your past? What if the only thing you could
remember was your name?

In The Maze Runner by James Dashner, you are introduced to a
world where death is often just around the next corner. A group of boys find
themselves in a strange place they call the glade, trying to survive, and if
possible escape back to their home. Yet, while they know they have a home, they
have no memory of anything prior to the maze. With above average intelligence they
have found a way to build a society of sorts in order to survive.

When Thomas finds himself in a box with no memories, he is
terrified when the box begins to move, and stopping abruptly opens to his
vision of a strange group of teens he does not know. They pull him out of his
trap only to treat him unkindly, and in fact seem somewhat threatened by him.
His fear only further increases as he slowly learns more of this place where he
finds himself. As the danger of his situation comes somewhat clearer, he tries
to find any memory, even a small speck to help him understand. There is nothing
there.

There are dangerous creatures outside the walls of their
protection called grievers. Within the walls they are safe, except from each
other, but the world outside the walls is treacherous. The society each has a
task to do to keep the peace, and one of the most dangerous tasks is that of
the runners. They must find the secret of the maze hidden outside their walls
in order to return home. Every day the maze changes and every day the changes
are mapped for some form of answer.

Strange things appear to be happening, even more so since
Thomas was discovered in the box. Although that is how everyone arrived, his
presence seems to cause a shift. That distrust only becomes clearer when a new
inhabitant is introduced through the box. This time it is a girl. Initially
uttering strange phrases, shock emanates from the team when she immediately recognizes
Thomas and calls him by name. Yet as she is pulled from the box she too no
longer remembers. The tension only thickens as they realize she is the last. No
more members will be coming through.

When Thomas breaks the rules by rescuing two of the runners
from outside the walls he causes a rift, and yet creates believers as well. Is
he their doom or their resurrection? The time of the maze is closing. Can they
save themselves or will they perish, never knowing the answers.

Dashner creates a world of danger and suspense. His
creatures are a cross between technology and the ugly things that go bump in
the night. He has done an amazing job of creating characters that are likable,
and those who are the bullies and jerks, just as we see in the real world. The
fear is pervasive, creating uneasy hysteria and nervous inhabitants. The intelligence
of those selected helps them to form a society, one necessary to sustain them
and to help them come up with answers. The danger feels real and the fear
follows you as you begin to understand the characters. The confusion keeps you
guessing, cheering and hoping.

This is a great work full of danger and fear, and riddled
with suspense. While a great YA novel, adults will also be interested in the
depth of the story. This would be a great addition to your book shelf, as well
as that of your teen.